The HSE has recently published the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. The report provides a current picture of the height, weight and BMI in primary school aged children in Ireland as well as the trends over time since 2008. Some of the key findings are:

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish children seems to be stabilising

Girls are more overweight and obese than boys

Higher overweight and obesity rates among children attending disadvantaged schools

Some key healthy habits that may prevent childhood obesity include the following: